Nineteen social enterprises from across the province were selected to showcase in the SEZ this year. Five social enterprise ventures were also selected from a pool of applications for the competition to pitch live at Discovery for the $20,000 award based on their ability to demonstrate the feasibility and real measurable social/environmental impact of their innovations across various sectors, including cleantech, education and social technology, and health and wellness.

This year’s winner is Genecis EnviroTech Inc., announced during the annual award presentations. Genecis EnviroTech converts organic waste into high quality biodegradable plastics.

“Congratulations to Genecis EnviroTech and to all of this year’s finalists! The Social Enterprise Pitch Competition is an amazing platform to showcase our province’s very best social entrepreneurs and their innovative, creative ideas,” said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Economic Development and Growth. “Together, we can all look forward to seeing their companies grow— making a positive and meaningful impact for communities across Ontario and the world."

The award package is valued at $20,000, including $10,000 from MEDG and a $10,000 legal-services package from Norton Rose Fulbright to assist with the further development of Genecis EnviroTech’s social enterprise.

“Based on exhibits seen on the show floor in this year’s Social Enterprise Zone and during the Pitch Competition, the future of innovation in Ontario’s social enterprise and environmental sector in good hands,” said Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO, OCE. “I would like to congratulate Genecis EnviroTech on their win and wish them the best of luck as their company grows, bringing their ideas to life and to the marketplace.”

Named Canada’s Best Trade Show in 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2017, and celebrating 13 years of bold, new ideas, OCE’s Discovery is Canada’s premier innovation showcase. It brings together the best and brightest minds in industry, academia, investment and government to showcase leading-edge technologies, best practices and research in the areas of energy, fintech, cleantech, the environment, advanced health, digital media, information and communication technologies and advanced manufacturing. The annual conference and showcase attracts more than 3,600 attendees and 500 exhibitors.